Name Hindi: सलीम दुरानी / Gender Man
Salim Durani
Salim Durani is a former Indian cricketer who played in 29 Tests for the Indian cricket team from 1960 to 1973. Born on December 11, 1934, in Kabul, Afghanistan, he migrated to India and achieved stardom not just for his distinctive approach towards cricket but his charismatic personality. Best remembered as a stylish left-handed batsman with the ability of taking crucial wickets as a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Durani embedded magic and unpredictability into the game. His glorious contribution led the Rajasthan Cricket Association’s academy in Jaipur to be renamed after him.
Career Highlights
- Durani made his test debut against Australia at Kolkata on Dec 12, 1959.
- In his second Test at Kanpur against Pakistan, He took eight wickets conceding only an average of above 72 runs per innings. No other player had taken more than one wicket in this test match which clearly shows his bowling prowess.
- Inspired by requests from the crowd to hit sixes during matches, Durani was known for hitting towering sixes upon demand.
- His most notable performance came against West Indies when he dismissed Garfield Sobers and Clive Lloyd helping India secure their first ever overseas win in Port of Spain in March 1971.
- Apart from playing for India, Durani took part in Ranji Trophy representing teams including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan while also acting as batting coach later on routing many significant cricket players.
Durani’s final appearance in a Test match was against England in Leeds in July 1973. Post-retirement he switched careers and tried his luck in the film industry. He acted alongside Parveen Babi in a movie named ‘Charitra’ before retuning to cricket as a coach.
Awards and Achievements
- Durani was awarded with the prestigious C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for Cricket in India by Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in 2011.
- The former Indian cricketer also received Life Time Achievement award from Rajasthan Cricket Association.
In spite of all these accolades, Durani is often remembered for his flamboyant lifestyle and charisma off-field more than on field. His style extended beyond his cricketing ability making him one of the prominent figures in the rich history of cricket in India.
